Everyday Ethics
Everyday Ethics is a weekly BBC Radio Ulster programme that hosts provocative debate on moral, religious and ethical issues. Each episode explores difficult dilemmas through discussion and differing viewpoints. It aims to make ethical questions accessible and relevant to everyday life.
Episodes
The Bible: literal word of God, fact, or myth?
This week is Book Week in Northern Ireland, and we begin the programme by looking at the bestselling and most distributed book the world has ever seen. According to the Guinness Book of Records the Bible has sold between 5 and 7 billion copies and has been translated into thousands of languages. But how do we read the Bible today. As the literal word of God, as fiction or as a myth where the story
Jeffrey Archer, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Middle East
Jeffrey Archer was a bestselling author with 300 million copies of his book sold around the world, but he was also a liar and a fraudster. His crimes eventually caught up with him and landed him in prison for two years.Audrey talks to journalist Michael Crick about the many lives that Jeffrey Archer lived and then we discuss the idea of celebrity redemption with commentator Liz Kennedy and Dr Leon
A Different Drumcree, Gandhi’s Legacy, Pádraig Ó Tuama
As the Drumcree standoff continues, we ask how much Northern Ireland has changed since the original confrontation decades ago. Audrey is joined by Professor Peter Shirlow, Director at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Irish Studies, Gladys Ganiel professor of the sociology of religion at Queen's University, author and pastoral worker Jim Deeds and Legal Project manager Tegan Nesbitt.As In
AI Apocalypse, Prayer, Season of Creation
If you were to listen to the people responsible for creating and developing Artificial Intelligence, you would conclude that it's the biggest danger to the planet - worse than climate change - when they tell us it might wipe out humanity in a decade and that work on it should stop. The biggest conference on AI on this island has been taking place in Belfast this week. And one of the keynote speake
Reconciling Relationships, Elise Ann Allen
Broken relationships are a fact of life but how should we react? Should we forgive others or does there come a time when you need to draw a line under a relationship and move on. Audrey talks to Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, Jim Deeds and Dr Elaine Storkey about difficult conversations and the difference between reconciliation and forgiveness.We also talk to Vatican Correspondent Elise Ann Allen about
German Elections, Servant Leadership, Diplomacy
As the far-right Alternative for Deutschland party wins 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anholt, Audrey talks to Jenny Witt- a journalist based in Hamburg- about what the result means for wider Germany. They also discuss what the Churches in Saxony Anhalt have been doing to help asylum seekers, and how that has brought them into direct confrontation with the AFD.Leadership is something that every
The Impact of 9/11, Remembering Wendell Berry
25 years on we remember the 9/11 attacks. BBC reporter Mark McCleary shares his memories of being in New York and then Audrey discusses the legacy and impact of 9/11 with Historian Dr Catherine Clinton, Human Rights Expert Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin and Commentator Rod Dreher.We also remember the Kentucky farmer, poet and activist Wendell Berry who died this week.
Dolly Parton’s faith, love and charity; Holy Cross 25 years on
The country star dismissed religiosity but faith shaped her life and legacy. Audrey talks to songwriter and worship leader Philippa Hanna about the country star’s faith. Donegal Singer Margo O’Donnell used to visit Dolly’s homestead and looked out at the landscape that inspired their collaboration ‘God’s Colouring Book’. And Professors Joanne Murphy and Leon Litvack discuss how the singer broke ma
Speaking Ill of the Dead, Taking Time Out
Journalist Liz Kennedy, Rabbi Jonathan Romain and Rev Chris Hudson join Audrey to discuss whether society now rushes to judge someone’s character when they die.The remarkable story of an Irish nun who joined the French Resistance and survived the Ravensbrück concentration camp.
Father Martin Magill is about to take time out from parish ministry for renewal. Methodist minister Rev David Campton is
Church lessons from Covid, modernising Homer’s Odyssey, and remembering Bryan Gallagher.
The Covid 19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of life: education, health, work… and religion. New research collates the experience of faith communities and how they engaged with the state. Have churches learned the lessons from the pandemic? Professor Gladys Ganiel coauthored the reports, and is joined in the studio by Rev John Alderdice (part of the Methodist Church’s response group), Dr Naomi Gre
A time to rest and reflect - Bishop Donal McKeown on retirement
He is one of the best known faces of the Catholic Church in Ireland and now Bishop Donal McKeown is preparing to retire.
He has been leading the Derry Diocese since 2014, before that he was Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor.
He was born in Belfast 76 years ago and as well as his religious vocation, he has been a keen runner of marathons and a former Gaelic footballer too.
But he's getting ready
Catholic Prime Minister, World Cup, Venezuela
Tomorrow Andy Burnham will become Prime Minister but what kind of administration will he run? Growing up as a working-class Catholic in the North of England he says that Catholic Social Teaching had a big impact on his politics. Audrey talks to Professor Anna Rowlands from Durham University. So what is Catholic Social Teaching and how might it be applied to politics by the highest office in the la
Love
A special programme on the theme of love. How is love defined? Is it a thought? An emotion? A feeling?Our world is awash with explanations of how and why we love yet we still remain reluctant to define it.Are humans expected to love unconditionally, in the way that people of faith believe that God does? How can they when they are not divine? Do faith institutions provide their followers with a
Donaldson Fallout, Archbishop of Jerusalem, USA 250
In the wake of Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction, we look at whether he used his faith as a shield to cover his crimes. Eve Rosato talks to theologians Dr Fainche Ryan and Professor Laurence Kirkpatrick about the issues of forgiveness and whether church processes should be used at all in criminal matters.We also speak to the Archbishop of Jerusalem about the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in B
American Revolution, Clonard Novena, Trauma and Healing
What role did Ulster Presbyterians play in the American Revolution? Audrey talks to Professor Richard Bell from the University of Maryland about the influence of emigrants from here like Thomas McKean from Ballymoney who was the last man to sign the Declaration of Independence.As the Clonard Novena ends we talk to Ed Peterson about the peacebuilding role they have played. And Trauma affects us all
Scapegoating, Peacemaking Reimagined, Sabbatical Reset
In the aftermath of last weeks riots, where are the stories of hope and resilience? Audrey talks to Tim Magowan from the Duncairn Centre and Maureen Hamblin, who has lived here for 26 years, about how she felt being scapegoated for the colour of her skin.Our main discussion asks whether we need a new kind of peace-making process in Northern Ireland – one that moves beyond Protestant/Catholic recon
Racism, Misogyny, Violence
Disorder and Racial Attacks - Audrey speaks to journalist Allison Morris and Rev Brian Anderson from East Belfast Mission who was on the streets and whose building was damaged in the rioting.Our main discussion in the light of the recent Katie Simpson and Natalie McNally cases looks at violence against women and girls across the island of Ireland and how can it be prevented. Audrey is joined by Al
Nussaibah Younis, Ebola, Civil Rights
Fundamentally is a novel by Nussaibah Younis about a young women who ends up in Iraq designing a deradicalisation programme for ISIS brides. It’s a comedy but it mirrors her own experience of having done exactly that.Ahead of an appearance at the Belfast Book Festival she speaks to Audrey about the novel and also what motivates young people to become radicalized today.We also hear from Sean Farrel
William Dalrymple, Pope Leo & AI, Carers
William Dalrymple has won many awards for his writings and is an expert on Indian history - a country he moved to from his native Scotland around 40 years ago.He is also the co-founder of the Jaipur Literary International Festival which is in Ireland this week and among other things, he spoke to Audrey about global empires, Middle East Christians and the links between India and IrelandPope Leo's f
NEETS, Nuns, Hajj Pilgrimage
There are almost one million NEETS in the UK – that’s 16–24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. But with budget cuts to youth services what chance do young people have of finding a job?Audrey talks to Ciara Fitzpatrick from UIster University and Sara Haller from Include Youth about a research project led by young experts who are themselves former NEETS. Two of the experts A
Pope Leo’s First Year, Star Wars Spirituality
This week marks one year since Pope Leo’s installation. Officially known as the “Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome” the ceremony drew hundreds of thousands to Rome while millions watched on TV.
One year on how is the Pope doing in the wake of high profile disagreements with the Trump Presidency. Audrey talks to papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, Catholic Theologia
Forgiveness, Transubstantiation, Lebanon
As a 10 year old coming home from school one day in Creggan in 1972, Richard Moore was shot by a soldier who fired a rubber bullet. He was blinded in one eye, and lost his other one.Years later he met that soldier and forgave him. Audrey talks to Richard along with poet and playwright Damien Gorman, who is the new head of peacebuilding with Richard’s charity Children in Crossfire.Transubstantiatio
Just War Theory, Sudan, Climate & Faith
Pope Leo’s repeated calls for peace has put the focus on the Catholic Church's Just War Theory- something which went on to form the basis of international law.
But is that Theory withering today - both from the religious and political lexicons? Audrey speaks to Professor Tobias Winwright - considered the world's leading authority on Just War - he's currently in Maynooth university, and theologian
Trump v Pope Leo, Spirituality of Space, Climate Theology
President Trump doesn’t like Pope Leo, accusing him of being weak on crime and bad on foreign policy. The leader of the Catholic Church says he will keep speaking out for peace and the gospel.In a week where Trump also released a picture of himself in a Christ like pose healing the sick, we ask why he continues to be popular with US Christians? Audrey talks to Mark Finlay – a Presbyterian from Eas
Easter Hope
On this Easter Sunday morning we ask if there more darkness than light in our lives? More hopelessness than hope? Where can the light and hope be found in a world that's full of pain, conflict, poverty and hate? Journalist Liz Kennedy, Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick from Ulster University and by Dr Naomi Green, assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain join Audrey Carville to share their
International Aid Cuts, Freya India, Artemis II
This week the British government announced its Aid priorities which include reducing the amount spent on aid by £6 billion by 2027. Along with the cuts to USAID by the Trump Administration what will be the impact on programmes around the world. Audrey talks to Rosamond Bennett from Christian Aid Ireland, Sean Farrell from Trocaire and Dominic McSorley from Concern about making the case for aid in
Antichrist, Living Wage, Psalms
Tech Billionaire Peter Thiel went to Rome this week and gave a closed door lecture about the Antichrist, just a stone's throw from the Vatican. Audrey talks to CNN’s Vatican Correspondent Christopher Lamb about what happened and also his new book American Hope, what Pope Leo the 14th means for the church and the world.The Living Wage is 25 years old but what role has it had in raising people out o
Grief, Armageddon, Silence
Later tonight Irish actress Jessie Buckley will find out if she has won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.It's a film about family, love, grief, and the aftermath of losing a child. Audrey talks to psychotherapist Julia Samuel about how the film forces you sit with the rawness of grief. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain whose so
War in Iran, Gafcon and Pope Leo
The United States and Israel began bombing Iran just over a week ago. Iran responded by bombing their aggressors' allies in the Gulf States. Hundreds are dead and the purpose of the war remains unclear. We discuss the latest developments, examine the theocratic system in Iran and whether Christian nationalism influences the Trump administration. Taking part are Tara Kangarlou journalist, author of
Presbyterian Moderator Designate, Peace Process, War Poetry
In his first interview since being elected as Moderator Designate the Rev Richard Kerr talks to Audrey about the PCI safeguarding scandal and the next steps for the church.Agreement is Owen McCafferty's dramatisation of the final four days of talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. It starred among others Dan Gordon as John Hume and Ruairi Conaghan as David Trimble. Dan and Ruairi chat to Au
Fasting, Drive Through Ashes, PCI Assembly
It's a unique moment in the Islamic and Christian calendars as the seasons of Ramadan and Lent coincide.Fasting is central to both, so this morning we are examining the role of fasting in today's world. Whether for spiritual reasons or wellness and lifestyle reasons: Is it a sacred path to renewal and wellness? Audrey speaks to Dr Naomi Green, Dr Tina Beattie and Pastor Andrew Gibson.The Presbyter
Taking a Stand, Telling the Bees, the Value of Great Friendships
US bishops warn that citizens may be called to 'put our bodies on the line' in protests in order 'to stand by their values'. Irish historian Dr Leeann Lane (Dublin City University), journalist and author Mihir Bose, theologian and sociologist Dr Elaine Storkey, and Irish church historian Professor Laurence Kirkpatrick join Audrey Carville to discuss the ethics, history and theology of taking a sta
Racial Justice, Memory Manipulation, RE Curriculum
On Racial Justice Sunday Mark Devenport talks with New York Times Bestselling author and historian Jemar Tisby about how the church fails to tackle racism. Local woman Maureen Hamblin and Tim Magowan, from the circle of change group, give an account of what is happening here in Northern Ireland.We also investigate the ethics of memory looking at how memory can be manipulated and false memories cre
Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Minneapolis Minister, Interfaith Project
This week on Sunday Sequence Mark Devenport is in the Chair kicking off with an interview with Bishop Rose Hudson Wilkins about her remarkable journey from poverty in Jamaica to becoming the first Black female Bishop in the Church of England and Chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II. We also look at a new Interfaith project in Belfast which begins this Sunday with a Jewish/Catholic St Brigid's d
Holocaust Memorial Day, Wellbeing Economy, Vienna 1944
Holocaust Memorial reflections, future generations politics, and the Kindertransport.
Trump, Iran and Contemporary Worship
This week marks Donald Trump’s first year as the 47th President of the United States.
To discuss his impact domestically and globally Audrey is joined by Catherine Clinton – Professor of American History at the University of Texas,
Professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain, expert on international and human rights law and Dublin based Entrepreneur and Commentator Karl Deeter.At least 2,400 protesters are repo
Trócaire's new CEO: Seán Farrell
Seán Farrell has travelled the world, from Romania to Uganda and to the Phillippines. As the new CEO of the aid agency Trócaire, he is drawing his experiences as a volunteer and a witness to some of the world's most brutal conflicts, famines and poverty. But who would want to be the boss of an aid and development agency in 2026?
Male Adolescence, Faith Leadership, Global Events, Hopes for 2026
Chris Bennett, Dr Naomi Green, Michele Marken and Professor Duncan Morrow join Audrey Carville to reflect on some of the major ethical and faith themes of 2025, and offer their hopes for 2026. The panel discuss the alienation and dehumanisation of young men; changes and challenges in leadership of faith communities; as well as global conflict and politics.We revisit interviews with Niobe Way (prof
PCI Safeguarding Scandal, Narnia at 75
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland held a special meeting of its general assembly on Thursday- five weeks after its moderator and clerk, the Reverend Dr Trevor Gribben, resigned over what he called serious and significant failings in its safeguarding process. Alan Meban reports from the Assembly and then Audrey talks to former PCI Moderator Norman Hamilton and Belfast Telegraph journalist Angela D
Light in the Darkness, Christmas in Gaza, Quantum Physics
We are approaching the shortest day of the year- it's next Sunday when the Winter Solstice will happen at three minutes past three on December 21st.
So that, plus the fact that today is the start of the Festival of Hannukah- the Jewish festival of Lights, got us thinking about the part light plays in all our lives, and especially for those of faith. Audrey is joined by Professor Laurence Kirkpatri
Presbyterian Safeguarding, Pope’s Beirut Visit, Homelessness
As more cases emerge, safeguarding expert Ian Elliot calls for a public enquiry into PCI. Audrey talks to journalist Angela Davison about the latest developments and also to retired Presbyterian minister Rev Tony Davidson about what needs to happen at the special general assembly.Pope Leo’s first overseas trip takes him to Lebanon where he met some of the victims of the Beirut port explosion and c
Ethical Budgets, RE in Schools, The Pope’s Astronomer
As we digest this week’s budget, we discuss the ethics of what and who governments choose to spend our money on. Audrey talks to journalist Anne McElvoy, Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick from Ulster University and Agnes Lunny the CEO of Positive Futures.The uncertainty around what the Supreme Court decision on Religious Education will mean continues. Audrey talks to Naomi Green and Edwin Graham about their pe
Supreme Court and Religion, PCI Safeguarding, Sustainability
Christian religious education (RE) taught in schools in Northern Ireland is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled.
Audrey is joined by Dr James Nelson from Queens University, Bishop Donal McKeown and Boyd Sleator from the Northern Ireland Humanists to discuss the implications for schools.As the Presbyterian Church safeguarding scandal continues, we talk to church members about their reaction to
Presbyterian Moderator Resigns, COP30 Update, German Remembrance Day
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has stepped down after "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding.
The Rev Trevor Gribben said "people have been placed at risk" due to the failings in its processes between 2009 and 2022.
We look at the wider implications of the story and ask whether an outside body needs to lead the denominations safeguarding process.The COP 30 meetings
Muslim Mayor, Silence as a Religious Act, The Book of Kells
Zohran Mamadani made history this week when he was elected Mayor of New York City. The 34 year old is the first mayor born outside the US and the first Muslim.So how central was faith in the campaign and how important is it to him personally? Audrey talks to Professor Najam Haider from Columbia University.On Remembrance Sunday we look at the religious practice of silence with Jim Deeds, Rabbi Nico
Oliver Plunkett, Relics, Sudan, Digital Resurrection
Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on the life and death of his predecessor Oliver Plunkett. Born 400 years ago this weekend, the saint's head is preserved in St Peter’s Church in Drogheda. Mark Devenport is joined by Dr Niamh Wycherley and John Thavis to discuss the role of relics in the 21st century.The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Africa correspondent Declan Walsh explains the background
Gaza Priest, King and Pope Prayers, Sporting Ethics
Gaza priest Father Carlos Ferrero tells us how the ceasefire is holding and what difficulties his congregation are still facing.The Anglican Church is in the news. In Rome, King Charles becomes the first monarch since Henry VIII to pray with the Pope.
Elsewhere the communion faces its biggest challenge as conservative Gafcon Bishops say they will no longer recognise the Archbishop of Canterbury, i
UN at 80, China Christian Crackdown
The United Nations will be 80 years old next Friday but is it thriving or dying?
Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.
Gaza to Dublin - A doctor working in a war zone
Dr Mohammed Mughaisib has spent the nearly two years working in hospitals in Gaza, in the midst of bombs, death and destruction. His family fled to Egypt in February of last year- he hasn't seen them since. He himself escaped to Dublin around three weeks ago.
Social Contract Crisis
Is the Social Contract dying?
Gaza Genocide Report
After a UN Commission of Enquiry rules that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, where do we go from here?
The Monastery and Tourist Mega Resort
The 6th century monastery of St. Catherine's and the tourist mega resort on its doorstep
Restorative Justice
Rev Izzy Hawthorne Steel and Rev Chris Bennett on how they dealt with church arsonists aged 10 and 11 and Carl Stauffer on restorative justice around the world.
The Sermon That Shook Trump - Bishop Budde
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde recalls her sermon before Trump—a plea for mercy in Washington National Cathedral that sparked his outrage the morning after his inauguration.
80th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell's powerful political satire Animal Farm
On the 80th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell's powerful political satire Animal Farm, we hear about the author's motivations and the power of his storytelling from Professor Jean Seaton, director of the Orwell Foundation.
Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov is perhaps most famous for his book Death and the Penguin. He lives and works in a war zone. En route from home in Kyiv to Edinbur
The Parish Priest of Gaza
Fr. Carlos Ferrero on the bombing of his church and the starvation of the people of Gaza.
JD Vance and Catholicism
Rod Dreher on JD Vance's conversion to catholicism
DNA by Design?
A new technique creates IVF embryos with DNA from three people to stop a genetic disorder
A Tale of Three Benedictines
This weekend marks the feast day of Benedict- a 6th century monk who had his own rule, which has survived down the centuries. That rule emphasises moderation, work and prayer.Our journey this morning will begin in the Great Italian Monastery of Monte Cassino as we learn about the man himself and how he shaped monasticism in Western Europe. The Benedictine Order still exists across Europe- and we
7/7 – The Lifelong Trauma of a Terror Attack
A special programme remembering the London bombings 20 years on. Audrey talks to two men connected by the explosion at Edgeware Road Station.David Gardner was reading the script of a Shakespeare play when the bomb went off. He lost a leg and the hearing in his left ear.
22-year-old David Foulkes was killed on his first work trip to London. He had accidentally boarded the wrong tube. His father Gra
Lamorna Ash
Lamorna Ash talks about her conversion to Christianity.
Sanctuary Sunday
Will Leitch explores the meaning of Sancutary Sunday.
Robin Eames: 50 Years of Service
Lord Eames looks back on being a Bishop for 50 years.
Adolescence
Professor Niobe Way on the challenges facing teenage boys.
Brian D’Arcy at 80
Father Brian D’Arcy turns 80 today. He’s Ireland's best known priest, a journalist, a broadcaster, and someone who has never shied away from speaking his true feelings about some of the most important religious, political and social issues.Brian sat down with Audrey Carville to talk about love and loneliness, look back at some the moments that changed the course of his life, what happened after he
The Morality of Poverty
After 19 years, the Stormont government finally has an anti-poverty strategy.
The Significance of The Council of Nicea
What relevance does an event which took place 1700 years ago this week have for people today?The event was the gathering of the Council of Nicea- a meeting of Christian bishops by the Roman Emperor Constantine the First. It met in what is now the Turkish city of Iznik from May until the end of July. It was an ecumenical meeting - the first of many to achieve agreement among all the branches of C
How can Pope Leo Rejuvenate The Catholic Church?
Special episode from Rome on the election of Pope Leo XIV.
